Cosmetic prosthesis and methods for making the same

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic prosthesis designed to provide non-invasive, removable enhancement of upper and lower lip, being intended to contour and push the facial skin around the mouth and jaw outward, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or aging lines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter disclosed herein is related to provisional U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/435031, filed on Dec. 19, 2002, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/346,946, filed on Jan. 17, 2003, and U.S.patent application (Ser. No. not yet assigned) entitled CosmeticProsthesis filed on Feb. 27, 2003, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to cosmetic devices for improving aperson's appearance. More specifically, the invention relates cosmeticdevices for improving the appearance of the face.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the dawn of civilization or since ancient Greece, people havesearched for the ‘fountain of youth’ or a manner in which to turn backthe hands of time and appear more youthful. As we age, lines andwrinkles become more numerous and prominent, particularly in the facecausing additional and pronounced wrinkling of the mouth area. The areaof skin surrounding ones mouth is highly susceptible to such wrinklesand aging lines due to the amount of fat cells present in the area andthe continual growth of the nose and chin. As we age our teeth and gumsalso begin to recede, causing additional wrinkling to the mouth and liparea Smoking, sun exposure and other environmental conditions also addto the aging and wrinkling of the face.

During the aging process, the nose continues to grow putting continualpressure on the upper lip causing ones teeth to show less and lessduring conversation and smiling. A need exists for a device capable ofrestoring the upper lip position allowing a more youthful appearance ofthe lower face addressing the upper and lower lip area The prosthesiswidth or thickness will determine the amount of lip lift achieved.

As we age, our teeth and gums also begin to recede into the mouth. Thismovement of the teeth causes additional wrinkling around the mouth areaas the skin folds sag without support, a condition which is exaggeratedwith the loss of skin elasticity, a condition that inevitablyaccompanies aging.

Ageing can also lead to a downward turn of the corners of the mouth(frown) that occurs when facial connective tissues and muscles(especially the Zygomaticus muscles, and the Levator Anguli Oris muscle)loosen with age.

A need exists to improve additional appearance conditions:

-   -   Lipstick Lines (peri-oral rhytids)    -   Bell's (or Facial Nerve) palsy    -   Long upper lips that obscure the upper teeth ( i.e. can slightly        elevate upper lip)    -   Hemi facial microsomia: This is when one half of the face        doesn't grow as much as the other side. A need exists for a        device that can be used to make the smile more symmetric.

The present invention provides a cosmetic prosthesis which is easy andinexpensive to prepare, easy to install and remove, thus comfortablydisplacing the lips as to reduce facial wrinkles and ageing lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages described above are overcome and other advantages areachieved in a cosmetic prosthesis. The prosthesis includes acustomizable space filling component which rest on the upper or lowergums against the under side of the lips pushing the lips outward toreduce facial wrinkles around the mouth. The prosthesis can beconstructed to have a thickness selected to achieve a desired facialappearance.

In one embodiment, the cosmetic prosthesis is fitted to the gums throughdental impression techniques. The cosmetic prosthesis can be constructedfor attachment to the teeth for stability. It is preferred for thecosmetic prosthesis to be constructed to push or contour the lipsoutward.

It is also preferred for the cosmetic prosthesis components to be colormatched to the patients gums.

In another embodiment, the cosmetic appliance or prosthesis is designedto provide non-invasive facial enhancement and is constructed to formfirst and second components each of which rest in a vestibule of themouth. In various embodiments, the prosthetic can be formed from eitherelastomeric material, acrylic resins, flexible plastics or siliconecompounds.

In a still further embodiment, the prosthetic includes a front sidehaving a surface structure and color that simulates the natural gums anda reverse side adapted to be mounted on the gums. In such an embodiment,one longitudinal edge of said appliance has an indentation in a regionadapted to contact or lie near the frenulum, the opposite longitudinaledge of the appliance is formed to be short of the tooth necks.

In a still further embodiment, the appliance contains titanium wireextending from the appliance or molded clasp, which holds the applianceto the teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating theinvention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that arepresently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention isnot limited to the specific apparatus, system, and instrumentalitiesdisclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention before positioning on thelower gums;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention positioned on the lowergums;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention before positioning on theupper gums;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention positioned on the uppergums;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to a cosmetic prosthesis for the mouth. Thecosmetic prosthesis is useful to provide non-invasive enhancement ofupper and/or lower lip contour for cosmetic purposes including thereduction or elimination of facial wrinkles and aging lines in the area.The prosthesis of the present invention, which functions like a swellingof the patients original gums, is constructed so that it can be customfitted for each patient based on impression models. The prosthesisconsists of one or two customizable space filling components which restin the vestibule of the mouth underlying the upper lip and cheek. Thesespace filling sub units or prosthesis rest on either side of thefrenulum; the exact distance between the frenulum and these spacefilling components is variable depending upon the exact contour desiredin a given patient.

The prosthesis can be made from inert elastomers and/or siliconecompounds, resistant to chemical and mechanical influences in the mouth.If the prosthesis is constructed to form two sub units a wire can beused connecting these is made in the manner of an orthodontic retainerto provide easy insertion and removal.

The prosthetic can also be constructed from acrylic resin and/orflexible plastics, resistant to chemical and mechanical influences inthe moith. Again, if the prosthesis is constructed to form two sub unitsa wire connecting these is made in the manner of an orthodontic retainerto provide easy insertion and removal. When constructed of plastic, thewire is preferably replaced with a formed plastic clasp.

FIG. 1, shows a lower lip prosthesis 10 and a typical lower jaw 12.Prosthesis 10 has not yet been positioned or mounted to lower jaw 12.The prosthesis 10, which replicates on an inner surface the shape andimage of the gums and replicates on the outer surface 14 and 16 thedesired shape and image of the gums. Prosthesis 10 embodies anattachment wires 18 and 20 which connects to the teeth to holdprosthesis 10 in place.

FIG. 2 shows prosthesis 10 placed over the gums and attached to theteeth. In a preferred embodiment, prosthesis 10 is colored and shaped toreplicate the desired shape of the gums displacing the existing spacebetween the gums and the lips.

FIG. 3 shows an upper lip prosthesis 22. In this embodiment, prosthesis22 includes two sub units 24 and 26. A connecting wire 28 holds theright (26) and left (24) sub units of the prosthesis together. Thefigure also illustrates the connecting wires 30 and 32 which helps holdthe device firmly in place. When prosthesis 22 is formed from plastic,the connecting wires are replaced with formed plastic clasps.

FIG. 4, shows the prosthesis (22) in place over the gums of the upperlip area. The figure illustrates a clips 30 and 32 placed between teethin the rear of the mouth.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment in which prosthesis 22 is formed fromplastic. In this embodiment, the connecting wires are replaced withformed plastic clasps 40, 42. FIG. 6 is a sectional view depictingprosthesis 22 in cross-section. Prosthesis 22 is shown to have an innersurface 44 and an outer surface 46. As will be appreciated from thedescription herein, inner surface 44 is preferable shaped to conform tothe existing shape of the gum. The shape of surface 46 and its distancefrom surface 44, defines a distance or thickness profile. The shape ofsurface 46 together with a given thickness profile operates to reducewrinkles and ageing lines.

The cosmetic appliance of the present invention overcomes in simplemanner evasive techniques of surgical implants placed into the lip areasand under the nose to reduce wrinkles and ageing lines. In oneembodiment of the invention, elastomers are used for construction of theappliance. In spite of their high Shore hardness, these elastomers aresoft, highly elastic, inert, i.e. resistant to chemical and mechanicalinfluences in the mouth, and physiologically harmless. As they aretransparent and almost invisible on the gums and preferably are coloredin any known manner to match the respective gums.

In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 4, the device is enlarged inregion E above and just lateral to the oral commissural (corner of themouth). Such a construction would help to elevate the corners of themouth, and make and upward movement of the corners of the mouth.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, devices 10 and 22 are shown to include afront side that preferably has a surface structure and color thatsimulates the natural gums and a reverse side adapted to be mounted onthe gums. One longitudinal edge 34 device 10 has an indentation 36 in aregion adapted to contact or lie near the frenulum, the oppositelongitudinal edge 38 is short of the tooth necks.

The appliance may be removed from the mouth and cleaned effectively atany time desired. The appliance may be worn during eating or sleeping.An essential advantage of the appliance according to the invention mustalso be seen in the fact that it is inexpensive to prepare and does notrequire manipulations on healthy teeth for fitting or holding.

Again, the cosmetic appliance of the invention is safely held in placeby the use of titanium or stainless steel wire or molded clasps whichare carefully placed between or around molars.

In one embodiment, the permanently soft and pliable appliance of thepresent invention may be prepared as follows:

An impression of the upper and lower teeth and gum region of a patientis taken and a working model of plaster prepared from said impression.On the working model, areas of the gums which can most beneficiallydisplace the lips are filled in with wax or a heat-stable material untilthe original state of the gums or some other desired thickness has beensimulated. A mold for the cosmetic appliance is then prepared from themodel thus obtained.

The elastomers used for preparing the cosmetic appliance, especially theheat-curable silicone rubbers, may be cured either by peroxidiccross-linking or by cross-linking under addition. Depending on themethod of cross-linking employed, curing temperatures of between 100° C.and 180° C. are required. On account of these temperatures, the moldshould be prepared from plaster or metals such as tin or metal alloyshaving a melting point above 200° C.

Silicone rubber worked into a dough-like consistency introduced into themold and cured therein under pressure. The temperature and time neededfor curing depend upon such factors as cross-linking agent used, type ofmold and means of heating. For instance, in a plaster mold and underheating by means of a water bath, a method normally preferred inprosthetic dentistry, curing of the mask will take approximately 2 hoursat 100° C. when 1 to 1.5% of bisbenzoylperoxide is used as across-linking agent. In metal molds needed for heat-curable siliconerubbers which are cross-linkable under addition, the appliance will curewithin 5 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 170° C. to 180° C., thecuring time depending on the thickness of the material layer.

Heat-curable silicone rubbers containing 1 to 1.5% of bisbenzoylperoxidemay also be cured in metal molds. In this case, curing will take 5 to 15minutes at temperatures of between 110° C. to 130° C.

Two-component rubbers cross-linkable under addition, especially thosesetting at room temperature, are admixed in equal parts and may be curedin either metal or plaster molds.

As the cosmetic appliance suitably should have the color of the naturalgums, the basic material is admixed with a sufficient amount of aphysiologically acceptable dye.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the prosthesis or the subunits may also be made as follows:

An impression of the upper and lower teeth and gum region of a patientis taken and a working model of plaster prepared from said impression.On the working model, areas of the gums which most beneficially displacethe lips are filled in with wax or a heat-stable material until theoriginal state of the gums has been simulated. A titanium clasp in nowplaced into the wax which will hold the device into place once placedinto the patient's mouth, being careful not to effect the occlusion. Amold for the cosmetic appliance is then prepared from the model thusobtained.

The mold and wax adaptations are now placed into a sealed containmentunit known as a capsule or flask. The capsule or flask is filled withinvestment (heat resistant material). The containment unit is heated toallow the wax to melt away from the mold and out of the unit. Now thatthe wax is out of the capsule and off of the mold, a resin (acrylic) ispoured into the capsule filling the cavity the wax has left in theinvestment. The capsule is now placed into a pressure cooker and heatedto the appropriate amount for the resin to harden. The pressure cookeris should operate at 24 PSI for the appropriate amount of time for theresin. The capsule will then be bench set to cool. Once removed fromsaid capsule, the appliance will be trimmed and polished.

Flexible plastic material may be used as well for a stronger, softer andmore flexible appliance. This method will differ slightly from the abovedescribed resin technique. A metal or titanium clasp is not necessarywhen using the plastic as the material can be formed to clasp. Theplastic material is heated and must be hydraulically injected into thecapsule or flask after the wax has been removed. This method eliminatesthe chance of bubbles in the appliance which weakens its integrity.

Silicone rubber worked into a dough-like consistency introduced into themold and cured therein under pressure. The temperature and time neededfor curing depend upon such factors as cross-linking agent used, type ofmold and means of heating. For instance, in a plaster mold and underheating by means of a water bath, a method normally preferred inprosthetic dentistry, curing of the mask will take approximately 2 hoursat 100° C. when 1 to 1.5% of bisbenzoylperoxide is used as across-linking agent. In metal molds needed for heat-curable siliconerubbers which are cross-linkable under addition, the appliance will curewithin 5 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 170° C. to 180° C., thecuring time depending on the thickness of the material layer.

Heat-curable silicone rubbers containing 1 to 1.5% of bisbenzoylperoxidemay also be cured in metal molds. In this case, curing will take 5 to 15minutes at temperatures of between 110° C. to 130° C.

Two-component rubbers cross-linkable under addition, especially thosesetting at room temperature, are admixed in equal parts and may be curedin either metal or plaster molds.

As the cosmetic appliance suitably should have the color of the naturalgums, the basic material is admixed with a sufficient amount of aphysiologically acceptable dye.

The cosmetic appliance of the invention differs from prior inventionsrelating to gum atrophy or paradentosis as the cosmetic appliance can bemade from similar materials, however the purpose and/or function of thecurrent invention is not to protect, cover or fit to exposed areas ofthe teeth beneath, above or below the gum line. The primary function ofthe device is to fill the cavity within the mouth between the gums andthe lips to dissipate facial wrinkles.

The cosmetic appliance of the invention differs from prior inventionsrelating to dentures or similar as the current invention does not coverthe top of the gums. The current invention does not cover, protect,maintain or house teeth, prosthetic teeth or similar.

The cosmetic appliance of the invention differs from prior inventionsrelating to orthodontics as the invention does not alter of affect theocclusion of the teeth. The current invention does not alter, adjust ortouch the teeth other than the clasping device which hold the appliancein place.

A still further embodiment of the cosmetic prosthesis is safely held inplace by a clamping device molded onto the prosthesis which temporarilyattaches to the molars.

The cosmetic prosthesis of the invention differs from prior inventionsrelating to gum atrophy or paradentosis as the cosmetic prosthesis canbe made from similar materials, however the purpose and/or function ofthe current invention is not to protect, cover or fit to exposed areasof the teeth beneath, above or below the gum line. The primary functionof the device is to fill the cavity within the mouth between the gumsand the lips to dissipate facial wrinkles.

In one embodiment of the invention, the prosthesis includes a front sidehaving a surface structure and color that simulates the natural gums anda reverse side adapted to be mounted on the gums, one longitudinal edgeof said appliance having an indentation in a region adapted to contactor lie near the frenulum, the opposite longitudinal edge of saidappliance being short of the tooth necks.

It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments havebeen provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way tobe construed as limiting of the invention. Words which have been usedherein are words of description and illustration, rather than words oflimitation. Further, although the invention has been described hereinwith reference to particular structure, materials and/or embodiments,the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein. Rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalentstructures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of theappended claims. Having the benefit of the teachings of thisspecification, others may affect numerous modifications thereto andchanges may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention in its aspects.

1. A cosmetic prosthesis, comprising a customizable space fillingcomponent which rest on the upper or lower gums against the under sideof the lips pushing the lips outward to reduce facial wrinkles aroundthe mouth.
 2. A cosmetic prosthesis, according to claim 1 wherein theprosthesis is constructed to have a thickness selected to achieve adesired facial appearance.
 3. A cosmetic prosthesis, according to claim1 wherein the prosthesis is fitted to the gums through dental impressiontechniques.
 4. A cosmetic prosthesis, according to claim 1 wherein theprosthesis is attached to the teeth for stability.
 5. A cosmeticprosthesis, according to claim 1, wherein the prosthesis is constructedto push or contour the lips outward.
 6. A cosmetic prosthesis, accordingto claim 1 wherein the components are color matched to the patientsgums.
 7. A cosmetic appliance designed to provide non-invasive facialenhancement comprising first and second components each of which rest ina vestibule of the mouth.
 8. The appliance of claim 7, wherein saidappliance is formed from elastomeric material.
 9. The appliance of claim7, wherein said appliance is formed from acrylic resins.
 10. Theappliance of claim 7, wherein said appliance is formed from flexibleplastics.
 11. The appliance of claim 7, wherein said appliance is formedfrom silicone compounds.
 12. The appliance of claim 7, wherein saidappliance comprises a front side having a surface structure and colorthat simulates the natural gums and a reverse side adapted to be mountedon the gums, one longitudinal edge of said appliance having anindentation in a region adapted to contact or lie near the frenulum, theopposite longitudinal edge of said appliance being short of the toothnecks.
 13. A cosmetic appliance according to claim 7 wherein the inertelastomeric or acrylic material is a thermosetting elastomer.
 14. Acosmetic appliance according to claim 13 wherein the thermosettingelastomer or acrylic is a urethane elastomer.
 15. A cosmetic applianceaccording to claim 13 wherein the thermosetting elastomer or acrylic isa heat-curable or a cold-setting two-component silicone rubbercross-linkable under addition.
 16. A cosmetic appliance according toclaim 7, wherein the appliance contains titanium wire extending from theappliance or molded clasp, which holds the appliance to the teeth.
 17. Acosmetic appliance according to claim 7, wherein the appliance maintainsa titanium wire connecting the left and right sides of said appliance18. A cosmetic appliance according to claim 7, wherein the acrylicmaterial is a thermosetting resin.
 19. A cosmetic appliance according toclaim 7 wherein the flexible plastic is of an injected nature.